Process Engineer

S&C Electric Company • Chicago, IL

6h • $97,758 - $116,285 • Onsite

About The Position

The Process Engineer provides intermediate to advanced-level engineering support to the analytical laboratory, with a primary focus on metallurgical analysis, materials characterization, and lab process improvement. This role supports manufacturing, engineering, supplier quality, and quality assurance by conducting and interpreting metallurgical evaluations, troubleshooting material and process-related issues, improving laboratory methods, and ensuring timely, accurate technical results. The position applies strong problem-solving, data analysis, and materials engineering knowledge to strengthen product quality, support root cause investigations, and drive continuous improvement in analytical lab operations.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in metallurgical analysis, materials engineering, analytical laboratory operations, quality engineering, or a related technical engineering role.
• Well-versed in metallurgical principles, including microstructure, heat treatment, mechanical properties, corrosion, fracture behavior, welding metallurgy, coatings, plating, and common metallic material families
• Experience with metallographic sample preparation, sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, hardness testing, dimensional or coating evaluation, fracture analysis, and interpretation of metallurgical results.
• Experience operating metals analysis equipment such as carbon/sulfur analyzer, X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, hardness tester, micro-hardness tester.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, purchase specifications, inspection plans, test requirements, and industry standards.
• Good problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate material or process issues, identify likely causes, recommend practical corrective actions, and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong technical writing skills, including the ability to prepare concise laboratory reports, investigation summaries, test method documentation, and recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced lab environment while supporting production, engineering development work, supplier investigations, and quality-related requests.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate respectfully across manufacturing, engineering, quality, supplier quality, purchasing, and operations teams.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools used to summarize laboratory results, identify trends, and support decisions.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, quality, continuous improvement, accuracy, and timely support of business needs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a manufacturing-support analytical laboratory with responsibility for production support, engineering development work, method improvement, and timely technical reporting.
• Familiarity with ASTM, SAE, ISO, ASM, AWS, or other industry standards related to metallurgical testing, materials analysis, coatings, plating, welding, or heat treatment.
• Six Sigma Certification (Green/Black Belt)

Responsibilities

• Perform and support metallurgical evaluations of raw materials, purchased components, in-process materials, and finished products using appropriate laboratory methods, including sample preparation, optical microscopy, hardness testing, microstructural evaluation, coating/plating assessment, and failure analysis techniques.
• Analyze metallic materials, heat-treated components, welds, coatings, and plated surfaces to determine conformance to specifications, identify abnormal conditions, and provide clear technical interpretations that support quality and engineering decisions.
• Support investigations related to material defects, component failures, supplier quality concerns, production stops, and customer or manufacturing issues by applying metallurgical analysis, structured problem-solving, and sound engineering judgment.
• Improve analytical laboratory processes, test methods, sample preparation practices, turn-around time, data quality, and workflow efficiency through standardization, troubleshooting, method refinement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collect, review, analyze, and summarize metallurgical and materials test data. Prepare clear technical reports that document test methods, observations, results, conclusions, and recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop, review, and maintain laboratory procedures, work instructions, inspection criteria, test methods, and material evaluation guidelines to ensure consistency, repeatability, and compliance with applicable internal and industry standards.
• Support selection, qualification, troubleshooting, and improvement of analytical lab equipment and methods used for metallurgical and materials evaluation. Partner with maintenance, vendors, and internal teams to sustain equipment reliability and capability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, supplier quality, quality assurance, purchasing, and operations teams to resolve material and process concerns, support new product or supplier qualification, and provide practical technical guidance.
• Understand and comply with all applicable Company policies, safety requirements, laboratory practices, and quality system expectations.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Attend in-person or virtual meetings as requested or required.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
• Serve as a lead for metals team, providing technical support and prioritization planning of incoming requests.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical & Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Group Life Insurance
• Optional Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Wellbeing Resources including Employee Assistance Program and Family Forming Benefits (i.e., Adoption and Fertility support)
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• Paid Holidays and Company Shutdown days
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Other Leaves
• Paid Parental Time
• Military Leave
• 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOP) offering traditional and Roth 401(k) options and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) component
• Annual ESOP company contributions of over 11% of eligible earnings (3% Core, up to 3.5% Match, Variable Periodic)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level